Q & A with Jake Severit

Q+A with Jake Severit

Jake Severit is the Publix Transportation Business Manager and works for Publix Transportation Business Development. He is an active member of FTA and puts in many volunteer hours for our Association. He’s also a great shot!

What drew you to start working at Publix Super Markets? As a kid growing up in Lakeland, Florida, Publix was the place you wanted to work, especially a truck driver, or store manager. Fast forwarding 30 years, I better understand how great a company Publix really is and what we do for the communities we serve. P.S. Publix is still a great place to be a truck driver. What was your first job? A busboy at Texas Cattle Company steak house in downtown Lakeland, was my first job. It was a fun job, and I also learned a lot about steak along the way. What’s the most important characteristic to have to be successful in the trucking/ transportation industry? Our industry is constantly evolving. I would have to say for me the most important characteristics are being open-minded and loyal to our drivers, staff and partners. What we did in the past may not get us where we need to be in the future. If you could spend a month anywhere in the world, where would it be? Alaska. I love being outdoors. I really want to get on one of those crews you see on TV who mine gold. Favorite dessert? Any type of homemade cobbler, especially peach Your preferred pizza toppings? Extra cheese and Jalapeno One product at Publix that you can’t live without? Our Publix Deli hot and spicy chicken wings, they really make college football days complete - “Roll tide!” What do you like to do on your days off? I love to spend time with my amazing wife, Kara, and the kids. We love to go boating or hanging by the pool. What are you most proud of that you have done in your life? As far as an accomplishment, I am most proud of serving as a United States Marine. It was very demanding; however, it taught me a lot about life and core values. Best advice you have ever received during your career? I have two best pieces of advice that I really think about daily. The first I heard early on as I began moving up in leadership. “It’s only lonely at the top if you don’t bring others with you”. This one is very important to me as all great organizations have one thing in common, great teams. Great accomplishments are never achieved by yourself, it takes others. The second is a Mr. George quote (George Jenkins founder of Publix Super Markets), “Begin, the rest is easy.” I tell myself this at times as it takes courage to try new things. What sports/extra-curricular activities do you participate in? Farming/Gardening. I’m really trying to get my yard to be an edible landscape. I also love to watch my kids play sports, primarily soccer and football.

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